More chances to have your say on controversial hospital shake-up plans

Extra sessions have been planned for residents wanting their say on controversial plans for a major shake up of NHS care in Derbyshire.

The informal drop-in sessions are in addition to a number of public meetings which are taking place as part of the Better Care Closer to Home consultation.

The aim of the plans is to provide care closer to home for older people receiving inpatient care in a community hospital or for older people with dementia who currently receive services from community hospitals.

Health bosses say that if the proposals were introduced, over time it will reduce the demand for community hospital beds. This would mean the closure of some hospital wards, and eventually, the closure of both Bolsover and Newholme hospitals.